BOULDER CITY, Nevada – In advance of National Trails Day June 6, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis have designated the Historic Railroad Trail at Lake Mead National Recreation Area and the Hoover Dam as a national recreation trail.

This designation recognizes trail systems that link communities to recreational opportunities on public lands and in local parks across the nation. A total of 10 trails nationwide received the designation June 4.

“We are honored that the Historic Railroad Trail received such an esteemed designation,” said Patrick Gubbins, Lake Mead NRA acting superintendent. “The beautiful lake views along this trail combined with Hoover Dam history make it one of Southern Nevada’s most unique trail experiences.”

The 3.5-mile, multi-use trail connects the National Park Service’s visitor center within Lake Mead National Recreation Area with the Bureau of Reclamation’s Hoover Dam. The trail, constructed on an old railroad grade that goes through five tunnels used during dam construction, offers panoramic views of Lake Mead, Boulder Basin, Fortification Hill, massive crystalline rock formations and the rugged Mohave Desert. Panels along the trail provide educational information.

“This national designation will spotlight Lake Mead NRA and Hoover Dam, and, we hope, generate more visitors to the area to enhance the area’s economy and really spark an appreciation for our respective resources,” said Supervisory Analyst Roy Given, LCDO Management Services.

The Historic Railroad Trail was developed in partnership with the National Park Service and Reclamation Lower Colorado Region resources offices and recreational professionals at Hoover Dam. It was made possible through the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act and the support of SNPLMA staff.

“By designating these exceptional trails as part of the National Trails System, we recognize the efforts of local communities to provide outdoor recreational opportunities that can be enjoyed by everyone,” said Jewell. “Our world-class network of national trails provides easily accessible places to get exercise and connect with nature in both urban and rural areas while also boosting tourism and supporting economic opportunities in local communities across the country.”

While the Historic Railroad Trail is flat and close to the visitor center, visitors should take extra precautions when hiking in the desert during the summer. Rangers recommend visitors wear hats and sunscreen and take plenty of water to avoid dehydration and heat exhaustion. Summer hiking tips can be found online at https://www.nps.gov/lake/planyourvisit/summer-hiking.htm.